Matchbook VIP Handicap Chase

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 4m 20.9s

Dolos^t⁶⁵

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 154| BF

11/10

Managed to finally get his act together (helped by a strong pace) when winning at Sandown (2m, good/soft) in February. Ran respectably up in trip last time but surprisingly not seen at Aintree/Ayr for a 2m event; has finished weakly in the past.

Form: 2/22315-

Adrrastos³²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-5| J: Aidan Coleman| T: Jamie Snowden| OR: 133

7/2

Proved he was still in good form when coming back from a long absence with a win at Hereford over 2m; jumped well. Paid for trying to match a well-in winner at Aintree in the Red Rum; still ran well and a leading candidate in this off the same mark.

Form: 113P/14-

Solar Impulse^p²³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-0| J: Dave Crosse| T: Ian Williams| OR: 127

9/2

Showed his best form when taking the Grand Annual when with Paul Nicholls before enduring a long losing run having joined Chris Kellett (0-13). Underwent a significant trainer change which resulted in the end of his losing run last time at Bangor.

Form: 524/5U1-

Dandridge^p,t²³

Age: 10| Weight: 10-0| J: S Bowen| T: C E Longsdon| OR: 127

7/1

Useful 2m handicapper at his best when trained in Ireland; showed that much of his old ability remains after wind surgery to run second over C&D in February off 2lb higher. Failed to cope with a higher grade at Ayr last time; needs to bounce back.

Form: 867/328-

Cut The Corner¹⁶

Age: 11| Weight: 10-0| J: Lee Edwards| T: A Ralph| OR: 127

12/1

Dual winner last May/June proving to be a useful sort at this level (last win came off a mark of 137). Hasn't quite matched that form since and was third to Lord Bryan (runs earlier) last time; more needed even off a reduced mark.

Form: 4P4633-

Forecasts

Dolos (11/10), Adrrastos (7/2), Solar Impulse (9/2), Dandridge (7/1), Cut The Corner (12/1)

A good race with Dolos asked to concede weight to the entire field having shown his best form at Sandown in February over 2f shorter, however he was suited by a very strong pace that day and he may not get that here which leaves a doubt. Adrrastos probably had a hopeless task in trying to chase and compete with well-handicapped Moon Over Germany last time. He’s a really likeable sort who could be allowed to set a nice rhythm in front here (he jumps very well). Two of the other three have shown their best form in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham in Solar Impulse and Dandridge neither would be at that level now but the former of the duo is respected having won by 10L last time.